Life just is. When asked my opinion about my belief in an afterlife, I thought about it, off and on as years went by. When recently asked, I responded as follows…
I find the notion interesting. The notion being that there is a before life then an afterlife. In my mind, that limits, restrains the moment at hand. The moment that for some, lasts a hundred-plus roman calendar years; for some.
So to say there was nothing before the birthing and that it is some sort of great void that is only allowed a half century give or take either way seems short-sighted to me. I have no actual “living” proof of my theory. Of course, few do. I suspect that those who might have proof are rather tight-lipped about it. Nonetheless, I dismiss the arrogance that “this” is it.
I do, however, welcome the notion that this is merely a stopping-off point to be shared with those among us. That includes everyone. Everyone that is in this current dimension; this carbon-based dimension we are in. We share our existence whether we know it or not. That includes the burnt toast I smelled early in the morning wafting through the air. Somebody sharing their carbon overkill. From mass murders to the saints, as I see it, we all are simply on a layover.
To those of you who might be reading this, a layover at times is akin to a six hour stop at a dull, quiet, small airport. How we deal with the layover changes from day to day. People come and go. Rather than being bored and grumbling about the flight connection, look for another one who is in the same place you are. Take this example to every facet of existence. Granted, at times it is easy to get distracted and difficult to practice this overwhelming example of acceptance. We are human. That means we have the option to get out of focus when we least expect it.
I once spent six hours at the Phoenix AZ airport waiting for the next flight out because the one I was booked on was cancelled for undisclosed reasons. (A flight I stressed and worried about not making due to one procrastination coupled with one distraction after another that had me frantic about missing the flight. Which, in the end, I did despite being on time to the gate.) While I was going somewhat bonkers internally, it dawned on me that if I could maintain an external carefree appearance, then I could most certainly attempt it internally.
Oddly enough, it worked. I proceeded to take note of those who appeared to be on their own, approached them and bantered back and forth about the frustrations caused by a cancelled flight. They seemed to feel better knowing they were not alone. As did I.
In the end, the effect was interesting to observe it was much like the pebble in the pond. The ripples of chatter expanded. So a group of frustrated, annoyed travelers shifted, in about an hour, into jokes being told about the airlines, about traveling salesmen…Oh yes! Some very ripe ones indeed. As we boarded the airplane people were not nearly as uptight at the flight crew. The crew had a look of bewilderment. I am certain they expected a full plane of gloomy, grumpy travelers. The flight was quick and painless.
Now where was I??? Oh yes, yes…We share this existence; we share it in every way!
The idea that we make no difference in those lives around us is balderdash. Absolute rubbish. To think this is “It” is setting ones’ sights far too low. At least I think so.
Once I got that idea out of my head (and heart if you will allow me to be so forward) I found that the idea of an ending not nearly as concerning. One persons’ end is another persons’ beginning.
There is no ending, there is just life. I say again! There is no ending, there is just life. It goes on and on. This notion that it ends is simple arrogance to me. The arrogance of the fearful, if you ask me. Currently, it is of a third dimension based on carbon. (Mostly third dimension…) Life goes on. It always has and it always will.
Never forget your past. Never fear the future. Revel in the moment as if it is the last because, ten seconds from now, it’s over and not embracing it is simply a shame.
I am very grateful for one of the many gifts I was given…the gift is curiosity. Without it, I would be so bored.
©2012
Chris J Hutchins
All rights reserved
Dog Hair Productions
I find the notion interesting. The notion being that there is a before life then an afterlife. In my mind, that limits, restrains the moment at hand. The moment that for some, lasts a hundred-plus roman calendar years; for some.
So to say there was nothing before the birthing and that it is some sort of great void that is only allowed a half century give or take either way seems short-sighted to me. I have no actual “living” proof of my theory. Of course, few do. I suspect that those who might have proof are rather tight-lipped about it. Nonetheless, I dismiss the arrogance that “this” is it.
I do, however, welcome the notion that this is merely a stopping-off point to be shared with those among us. That includes everyone. Everyone that is in this current dimension; this carbon-based dimension we are in. We share our existence whether we know it or not. That includes the burnt toast I smelled early in the morning wafting through the air. Somebody sharing their carbon overkill. From mass murders to the saints, as I see it, we all are simply on a layover.
To those of you who might be reading this, a layover at times is akin to a six hour stop at a dull, quiet, small airport. How we deal with the layover changes from day to day. People come and go. Rather than being bored and grumbling about the flight connection, look for another one who is in the same place you are. Take this example to every facet of existence. Granted, at times it is easy to get distracted and difficult to practice this overwhelming example of acceptance. We are human. That means we have the option to get out of focus when we least expect it.
I once spent six hours at the Phoenix AZ airport waiting for the next flight out because the one I was booked on was cancelled for undisclosed reasons. (A flight I stressed and worried about not making due to one procrastination coupled with one distraction after another that had me frantic about missing the flight. Which, in the end, I did despite being on time to the gate.) While I was going somewhat bonkers internally, it dawned on me that if I could maintain an external carefree appearance, then I could most certainly attempt it internally.
Oddly enough, it worked. I proceeded to take note of those who appeared to be on their own, approached them and bantered back and forth about the frustrations caused by a cancelled flight. They seemed to feel better knowing they were not alone. As did I.
In the end, the effect was interesting to observe it was much like the pebble in the pond. The ripples of chatter expanded. So a group of frustrated, annoyed travelers shifted, in about an hour, into jokes being told about the airlines, about traveling salesmen…Oh yes! Some very ripe ones indeed. As we boarded the airplane people were not nearly as uptight at the flight crew. The crew had a look of bewilderment. I am certain they expected a full plane of gloomy, grumpy travelers. The flight was quick and painless.
Now where was I??? Oh yes, yes…We share this existence; we share it in every way!
The idea that we make no difference in those lives around us is balderdash. Absolute rubbish. To think this is “It” is setting ones’ sights far too low. At least I think so.
Once I got that idea out of my head (and heart if you will allow me to be so forward) I found that the idea of an ending not nearly as concerning. One persons’ end is another persons’ beginning.
There is no ending, there is just life. I say again! There is no ending, there is just life. It goes on and on. This notion that it ends is simple arrogance to me. The arrogance of the fearful, if you ask me. Currently, it is of a third dimension based on carbon. (Mostly third dimension…) Life goes on. It always has and it always will.
Never forget your past. Never fear the future. Revel in the moment as if it is the last because, ten seconds from now, it’s over and not embracing it is simply a shame.
I am very grateful for one of the many gifts I was given…the gift is curiosity. Without it, I would be so bored.
©2012
Chris J Hutchins
All rights reserved
Dog Hair Productions
